VISI with FreroTech

Originally established in 2001 by two experienced toolmakers, Freek Sensen and Roel Baars, FreroTech bv (Maastricht, Netherlands) quickly built a reputation as a highly skilled company that would take on the most difficult jobs using two Hermle Milling machines, one of these as 5 axes.

“As soon as we started the company, the market situation deteriorated, and we had to focus on ‘specials’ that would separate us from other companies. The choice to use a 5 axis milling machine from the outset proved to be the right choice”, explains Freek Sensen.

"VISI proves its additional value day by day."

"The experience and professional support provided by the support staff ensure that if we have any questions, they are always answered carefully and promptly."

Freek Sensen
Co-Founder

The choice of CAD/CAM system was equally as important at the beginning. The VISI product range provided all the tools necessary to separate us from other companies in the region and further a field. The combination of using a 5 axes machine and VISI gave us the ability to use the slogan “Is it machinable? Does it fit on the machine? We will manufacture it”. Combined with the right attitude from FreroTech, the company has managed to not only survive, but prosper through the worse economic situation in recent years.

In the 5 years that our company has traded, our business has been expanded very quickly in order to meet the demands of our customers and offer the complete solution for all of their specific requirements. The team at FreroTech has grown to 5 experienced people who can all manufacture products independently. In reality it means that the machine operator is responsible for manufacturing their own product, starting from the 3D model through to toolpath creation and NC machine programming.

In FreroTech’s third year of business, they invested in a Hermle C1200V Machine centre with a larger machining capacity. This was an important addition as the size of mould plates and thermoforming moulds were becoming larger and larger. Currently, each machining centre is equipped with its own VISI Machining 3D seat with an additional VISI Modelling seat used in the engineering department. “To have full control capabilities for the complex products we make, we have also invested in a 3D measuring machine at the end of 2005” states Roel Baars.

In recent years, FreroTech has grown in reputation and became strong in a number of areas, particularly in the prototyping world for the automotive industry, where they are active in soft tooling for interior plastic parts. FreroTech are also involved in the design and production of injection moulds for the consumer industry, where Philips and Heineken are prized customers. Rubber injection moulds for automotive seals is another market sector assisted by FreroTech. Recently, projects were completed for BMW, Bentley and Corvette as end users.

Above that, FreroTech are also involved in the manufacturing of thermoforming moulds for the production of polystyrene products for the food packaging industry, with Ahold as one of the most recognizable customers. Excluding mould tools, FreroTech also produce assembly tools and have been involved with Nokia cell phone keyboards and a complete Blister and packaging line to pack for Colgate teeth brushes. Outside of the traditional engineering world, FreroTech also worked in collaboration with world famous designer Ron Arrad, and plastic supplier Dupont, to produce new seats designed using a new Corian material and exhibited at the Milan design fair.

“VISI proves its additional value day by day” claims Freek Sensen. “The integrated solution offers us the ability to perform engineering tasks for our customers at the highest level. The experience and professional support provided by the Somatech support staff ensure that if we have any questions, they are always answered carefully and promptly” concludes Freek.

For the future, FreroTech plans to remain competitive and stay ahead of its competitors. It is this forward thinking that had lead to the purchase of another new 5 axes HERMLE C40 machining centre. At the same time, we have extended the VISI Machining solution to include the 4 and 5 axes modules. The challenge for FreroTech and their (potential) customers is remain focused.